Last years planting of NS came through just fine. There is just the slightest amount of winter needle burn on a few, but nothing major. Funny how weather and climate works sometimes.........I am certain our lowest low temps far exceeded yours, Spruce, but we had continuous snowcover from early December right through the winter, and probably less frost depth than you experienced in ol Virginny. Some slightly larger Abies nordmanniana did burn to a bright orange-brown after one of the late winter thaws exposed them to the air. But even these appear to be okay.......buds full and hard. Likewise the handful of Green Giants.....quite burnt looking, but here too, I think, okay in the long term. I have a number of Thuja o's from the woods I still plan to transplant this spring. It actually got quite dry here through the first half of April, but after three or four days of rain, that's certainly no longer the case. BTW, Spruce, thanks so much for the email. +oM

As Hurman will say, if the leaves are turning yellow starting at the tip of the branches then it is because of less watering. If the leaves on the branches are getting yellow at the bottom of the branches (starting from the trunk) then it is because of too much water. Some of my plants get yellow leaves at the bottom because of lack of sunshine there since I regularly keep the soil moist.

Its so much fun when it works.

A few followups on the grapeseed oil: I don't know anything about the shelf life. I only know that it has a higher smoke point (and so is great for sauteeing). And it's very healthy. My counters now don't look or feel "oiled." They are just matte black. The Bee's oil made them a little waxier feeling (and water would bead up on them). This just feels like the oil is "one with the counter" if that makes sense. When you first apply it, the counters will look wet and oily and shiny. Different from bee's oil. Don't panic! I actually enjoyed pouring on a liberal amount b/c it is easier on my elbow. After applying the oil, just buff off the excess with a clean cloth. It is very fast overall. I hope it works well for others. Who knows, b/c I seem to have an odd variety of soapstone. And I hope you all have Trader Joe's in your neighborhoods. Because grapeseed oil is pricey. I wouldn't have thought of using it, if it weren't for the cheap, nice sized bottles of it that they sell. rm: L'Shana Tovah! Our synagogue celebrates a kid version of Rosh Hashana as "the birthday of the world." This is super fun! At our house, we take it a step further ande bake a birthday cake, and put on those big number candles for the year. We sing happy birthday to the world, and then i give my boys a gift that has something to do with nature. They love this holiday! My 7 year old took his shofar for show and tell today. And the cruiser bike is awesome!!! Except I have my feet "walking" on the ground more than peddling on the peddles, because I have to match my four year old's pace. :-) francy